VAR will be used for 2024 CHAN matches - Photo Courtesy Man City Facebook.
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 will mark a significant milestone in Ugandan football as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is officially introduced for the first time in the country.
This historic development was confirmed by CAF Competitions Officer Serge Aussume during a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) meeting held at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi on Tuesday.
Uganda Embraces Modern Football Technology The introduction of VAR represents a leap forward for Ugandan football, showcasing the nation's readiness to host world-class tournaments. VAR technology, designed to assist referees in making more accurate and fair decisions, will be implemented at the Mandela National Stadium.
The stadium has undergone extensive renovations, including the installation of a dedicated VAR room, ensuring the infrastructure meets CAF’s high standards.
What VAR brings to CHAN 2024
VAR is a cutting-edge system that uses video footage to help referees make decisions on critical match incidents.
These include: Goals: Confirming their validity or ruling them out for fouls, handballs, or offside. Penalties: Ensuring correct decisions on penalty awards or denials. Offside Decisions: Reviewing tight calls that influence goal-scoring opportunities. Red Card Offenses: Correcting or confirming decisions on serious foul play or violent conduct.
By reducing errors, increasing fairness, and enhancing accuracy, VAR aims to ensure that match outcomes are decided justly, free from controversial calls. A Benchmark for Uganda CAF’s successful deployment of VAR at recent tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire, has been hailed as a model for implementation.
Uganda is now set to follow this precedent. State Minister for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, emphasized the government’s dedication to delivering top-tier facilities for CHAN 2024.
He assured that all infrastructure, including the VAR setup, will be ready by February 1, 2025. “The introduction of VAR is a testament to Uganda’s commitment to hosting a modern and fair tournament. It is a crucial step in positioning the country as a hub for top-tier football events,” Ogwang said.
A Glimpse into the Future of Ugandan Football The adoption of VAR during CHAN 2024 could pave the way for its future use in the Uganda Premier League (UPL). Local fans and stakeholders have long expressed interest in bringing the technology to domestic competitions to enhance decision-making and boost the league's credibility.
As Uganda prepares to host CHAN 2024, the successful implementation of VAR will not only elevate the tournament but also set a new benchmark for the nation’s footballing standards.
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